The Brewery Market bottleshop in Church Street, Twickenham are looking to explore the town’s brewing past, the people behind the beers and the role that these lost breweries played in shaping Twickenham’s community. To this end they are producing a short documentary film called The Lost Breweries of Twickenham.
For centuries, Twickenham was home to a thriving brewing industry, with on-site alehouses and family-run breweries shaping the town’s identity. The earliest recorded brewery is that of John Cook in the 1700s while the mighty Cole’s Brewery dominated Twickenham’s beer production for nearly 300 years. There were others, such as the Britannia Brewery, the Wheatsheaf Brewery and the Star Brewery, who all at some time supplied beer to local pubs, with some even operating on-site taprooms. By the early 20th century, nearly all of Twickenham’s breweries had closed and many, like Welch Ales, disappeared entirely, leaving behind only a few records, advertisements and the occasional historic landmark. It wasn’t until 2004, with the opening of Twickenham Fine Ales, that brewing returned to the town. Today, with Jawbone Brewing also continuing the tradition, Twickenham is once again embracing its brewing roots.
To celebrate the making of the documentary, Brewery Market are holding a home brewing competition, inviting brewers of all levels to recreate beers inspired by the town’s historic breweries, from the Welch Ales once brewed at Wheatsheaf Brewery to the porters and bitters of Britannia Brewery. Entries will be judged on historical accuracy, flavour and brewing skill. For judging details and entry guidelines, e-mail cheers@brewerymarket.co.uk.
The winners of the competition will be announced at a special event on Wednesday 28 May when there will also be a special screening of the documentary.
Please note that the terms and conditions of the competition are entirely the responsibility of Brewery Market and that CAMRA have no involvement in its operation.
